However, the visit comes at a difficult time for the company as it is currently embroiled in an ongoing dispute with trade unions after they rejected the firm's latest pay offer and were contemplating strike action.

The EMC near Wolverhampton will be home to the 'Ingenium' engine family, which will power a new generation of JLR products designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK, starting with the two-litre diesel engine in the Jaguar XE.

JLR said the facility was the latest demonstration of its commitment to supporting the UK's burgeoning manufacturing industry.

When operating at full capacity, it will employ 1,400 people with a further 5,500 jobs created in the supply chain where production of these engines will help provide a critical mass for inward investment.

"Jaguar Land Rover is extremely proud to welcome Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to the all-new Engine Manufacturing Centre," it said in a statement.

"The company holds the Royal Warrant as 'Manufacturers of Motor Vehicles, By Appointment' from all three current grantors: HM The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Prince of Wales.

"Jaguar Land Rover is the only automotive manufacturer granted all three Royal Warrants."